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Ainsley

♀ Girl

Pronounced AYNZ-lee /ˈeɪnz.li/High

Meaning: Scottish and English surname from the place name Annesley or Ainslie, composed of Old English 'an' (one, alone) and 'leah' (woodland clearing, meadow), meaning 'one's own meadow' or 'solitary clearing'High

In 30 seconds: Ainsley is a crisp Scottish and English surname name meaning 'one's own meadow.' Bright and sporty, with a clean two-syllable sound, it has become a popular choice for girls in the United States.
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Origin HighScottish, English
MeaningScottish and English surname from the place name Annesley or Ainslie, composed of Old English 'an' (one, alone) and 'leah' (woodland clearing, meadow), meaning 'one's own meadow' or 'solitary clearing'
U.S. rank (2025)#483 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births621 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2014
Total births (all-time)≈ 20,466

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201419612025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Ainsley is a Scottish and English surname from the place name Annesley or Ainslie, composed of Old English an (one, alone) and leah (woodland clearing or meadow). It follows the -ley/-sley topographic surname pattern common in British place names. The surname was first recorded in Nottinghamshire, England.

Ainsley gained first-name use as part of the Scottish and English surname-as-given-name tradition and was popularized in the United States in the late 20th century. It appeals particularly as a girls' name for its bright, sporty sound. It now ranks in the U.S. top 200 girls' names.

Did you know? Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott — the British television cook known for his exuberant cooking style — is one of the most famous bearers of this name, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and lively personality associations.
Overall data confidence 87%
Behind the Name — Ainsley — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AinsleeAinsleighAnsley

Nicknames

AinsLee

Famous Bearers

  • ★Ainsley Harriott (1957–present)
    British celebrity chef and television personality

If you like Ainsley…

Ansley— shares nearly the same sound and the same English -sley surname structure
Hadley— shares the -ley ending and the same Scottish/English surname-name appeal
Paisley— shares the -sley ending pattern and the same bright girls' name energy
Kinsley— another -sley compound in the same modern feminine naming tier

Frequently Asked

What does Ainsley mean?

Ainsley means 'one's own meadow' or 'solitary clearing,' from Old English 'an' (one) and 'leah' (woodland clearing). It is a Scottish and English topographic surname.

How do you pronounce Ainsley?

Ainsley is pronounced AYNZ-lee /ˈeɪnz.li/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Ainsley a girls' name?

Ainsley is used primarily for girls in the United States, though it is occasionally given to boys. It has been climbing steadily in the girls' top 200.

Is Ainsley popular?

Ainsley ranks in the U.S. top 200 girls' names and has been growing steadily, valued for its fresh, sporty Scottish character.